Chris Frankel named bar manager at del Grande’s RDG + Bar Annie

Chris Frankel — who has worked his beverage magic at venues such as Anvil, Cuchara and the wine bar at Underbelly — will take over as bar director for chef Robert del Grande’s flagship RDG + Bar Annie. It’s a high-profile spot that Frankel wants to turn into a “destination” for its drinks program.

A press release says Frankel and del Grande will collaborate on a cocktail program that will roll out in the coming weeks. They’re promising some physical renovations and a revamped bar menu as well.

Look for something creative, at any rate. Frankel was one of the first local bartenders (outside of chef Anita Jaisinghani at Indika) to delve into South Asian flavors for his cocktails.

And the aromatized wines he developed for Underbelly’s wine cocktails (the restaurant does not have a license that allows them to sell liquor) were unlike anything else in town, as were his house-made tonic water and house-bottled carbonated cocktails.